Colin Dambrauskas: Game Day - Flames Hoping to Burn the Blues

1st! And expecting a big effort tonight from our beloved Flames!

The Czech Connection!

You comment on the Blues defense being a liability, but I am very concerned about the Flames 3rd D pairing. The top 4 are really solid and love the way Brodie is playing, but seems none of Sarich, Butler or Smith can be counted on.

At least Hartley rides the top 4 with big minutes, but if one of them goes down, YIKES!

The Czech Connection!

You comment on the Blues defense being a liability, but I am very concerned about the Flames 3rd D pairing. The top 4 are really solid and love the way Brodie is playing, but seems none of Sarich, Butler or Smith can be counted on.

At least Hartley rides the top 4 with big minutes, but if one of them goes down, YIKES!
- scoot174

I liked Sarich in the Minny game. He needs to play physically to be effective though.

Added a tidbit about Oreilly to the Flames as per ESPN....to the blog.

I liked Sarich in the Minny game. He needs to play physically to be effective though.
- jtommyt

Totally correct. The fact that Tanguay leads the team in PIMs and Sarich has zero says a lot.

He needs to rock with a few big hits and drop the mitts. The way Kipper was getting run over before he was hurt, there were a few opportunities to scrap.

Added a tidbit about Oreilly to the Flames as per ESPN....to the blog.
- Colin Dambrauskas

So what does it take to get him? From any team?
A first round pick, + prospect, + roster player?

So what does it take to get him? From any team?
A first round pick, + prospect, + roster player?
- bradjc

Would you give up Backlund or Horak for him? Because I'm sure that's going to be the asking price + a first.

I think it's too much.

Would you give up Backlund or Horak for him? Because I'm sure that's going to be the asking price + a first.

I think it's too much.
- jtommyt

I'd give up Backlund, Ferland, and a 2nd.

So what does it take to get him? From any team?
A first round pick, + prospect, + roster player?
- bradjc

Simply put?....a pretty penny.

Higher draft pick + promising prospect and possibly a roster player, depending on the former two.

When does McDonald get a start?

Simply put?....a pretty penny.

Higher draft pick + promising prospect and possibly a roster player, depending on the former two.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Well if the Avs arn't signing him he must be asking for alot. That must diminish his trade value no?

When does McDonald get a start?
- flamminghead

I would say that will heavily depend on tonights game. If Irving plays well again, he'll continue to be given the shot. If he struggles a little, Macdonald will surely start next.

Well if the Avs arn't signing him he must be asking for alot. That must diminish his trade value no?
- flamminghead

Yes and no...Dreger commented earlier that if they dont receive close enough to what they are asking, theyll hold on to him as long as they can.

When does McDonald get a start?
- flamminghead

I would say one of Sunday in Dallas or Monday in Phoenix. If I was betting, I would say Dallas as I think the Stars think they can beat Irving.

I've never given to much creedance to ESPN's coverage of hockey. I'm sure we are looking at ROR, but I can't see COL trading him within the conference. If they did, the asking price would be much more than what CGY should even consider giving up. Just my opinion.

Simply put?....a pretty penny.

Higher draft pick + promising prospect and possibly a roster player, depending on the former two.
- Colin Dambrauskas

NO 1ST ROUNDERS!! I would consider Butler, Granlund & a 2nd. I just don't think ROR has shown enough to warrant a big payoff that, quite frankly, we can't afford.

A lot of people have suggested an offer sheet from us. Isn't it possible that someone has already tried that and the ROR camp declined. Maybe his high contract demands are him trying to force a trade a la Kyle Turris. Not signing an offer sheet protects him from COL matching and him being stuck in an environment that he doesn't want to be in.

NO 1ST ROUNDERS!! I would consider Butler, Granlund & a 2nd. I just don't think ROR has shown enough to warrant a big payoff that, quite frankly, we can't afford.

A lot of people have suggested an offer sheet from us. Isn't it possible that someone has already tried that and the ROR camp declined. Maybe his high contract demands are him trying to force a trade a la Kyle Turris. Not signing an offer sheet protects him from COL matching and him being stuck in an environment that he doesn't want to be in.
- TandA4Flames

Friedman was saying this morning Colorado was asking the Moon and will trade if they get what they want, but really would rather keep him.

bouwmester for ROR and start the rebuild!!!

Added a tidbit about Oreilly to the Flames as per ESPN....to the blog.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I think ROR would be a great addition at the right price. My only concern why do we need another #2 centre?

And no way in hell do we trade Backlund at this point. Horak no problem, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

bouwmester for ROR and start the rebuild!!!
- Jaciems

You should get slapped for the comment.

You should get slapped for the comment.
- whipper334

if the flames are out of the playoffs, wouldnt you prefer you guys trade away some assets to bring in some picks and/or younger guys?

if the flames are out of the playoffs, wouldnt you prefer you guys trade away some assets to bring in some picks and/or younger guys?
- Jaciems

You never said that in your first post. And why can't JBO be part of the rebuild (if there is one). The guy is relatively young for a D man.

Custance almost remarked that the Fames being in the same division lessens the chance and that they also might not want to part with their his words few prospects.

He is what you need though.

A little deception? Okay the Blues have played two more games so goals for: Blues 43 and Calgary 33. That's not that close. That's per game 3.31 versus 3.

3.55 gaa versus 3.31 gaa. Closer still.

The Blues have been giving up too much in the defensive zone from gap coverage and too often missing the times they are aggressive at their Blue line. Where they have been terrible is on the weak side back door coverage. So positioning in the defensive zone has left a lot to be desired. A LOT.

Keep in mind that much of the meltdown spanned during their four game home stay. Three of the games they gave up six goals. A few unlucky bounces one game, some D lapses but mostly terrible goaltending.

The Blues can and will run four lines out there. The weakness of the team is on their left side Dmen and currently in goal. Petro has made a number of mental errors this season but he's still learning. At least he compared to those other ones that sucks can get the goal back. If Russell plays the FLames can eat him up all nigh going from behind the net to goal. Even if he actually gets in correct position--which is rare--he will lose the battle on the inside giving up a prime scoring chance either on the shot or the rebound. IF Shattenkirk has the unfortunate pairing with Jackman force Shatty to give the puck to Jackman and give JAckman some time with the puck by covering his options then forecheck him and he'll give the puck up in such a sweet manner to the opposition. Or if you force players like Jackman and Russell to move the puck to their partner with a strong forecheck they will throw the puck to their partner as to either give the chance for their partner to be killed or drilled or limit their options. Jackman if forced to mvoe the puck in transition is very prone as well to icing the puck. So if the Flames keep it in their mind and catch them late in a shift there's a good chance to put pressure on him and he'll just ice the puck. Also strong legal checks on him will take him off the little game he has and can gain you a power play.

If Andy McDonald is on the ice five on five force the break out to go to his wing and pinch in and forecheck all night long on him. He will cough it up and tends to do so to the center of the ice in his own zone. If you are a good puck handler and he comes in on the forecheck alone, get him to turn once or twice on you in the corner and most assuredly you'll get him off the ice for hooking.

I've never given to much creedance to ESPN's coverage of hockey. I'm sure we are looking at ROR, but I can't see COL trading him within the conference. If they did, the asking price would be much more than what CGY should even consider giving up. Just my opinion.
- TandA4Flames

It depends on what you're reading. When you pony up some bucks there are some of the best articles I've seen written. They have some really good guys that work the draft prospects. You might have stuff like that up north a bit more prevalent but down here I rarely get anything as in depth. A couple of the scouts we'll put out juicy tidbits.